Steroid injection was given for tummy tuck revision. Now the area has atrophied. What can be done to fix this? (Photo)

Question

Im 39, 5ft and 130lbs. Tummy tuck over a year ago. I had a revision to an area where it keloided. My revision became hypertrophic after going back to full workouts. I was given only 1 steroid injection. Surgeon wants to wait and see if it resolves itself and he will fix the scar again. However, there’s a huge dent from fat atrophy and skin is so thin, you can see underneath it. It can be painful some days and feels like tearing. What can be done to fix this?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tamtam024,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. Fat atrophy can occur after steroid injections. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the scar issues you've been experiencing.  Your surgeon is correct.  At this point it's wise to move conservatively.  You can use silicone sheets on the area.  Wait for the scar to mature and settle  before continuing with another revision or more aggressive treatment.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have extra skin, that area can be excised. If it is tight, a fat transfer can be done which will give more volume and slowly improve the scarring from the stem cells transferred. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Steroid injections are very effective at reversing scar hypertrophy. What can cause excessive reactions with sending and widening of the scars, creating more of an effect, then was hoped for. Because of this steroid use should be kept conservatively using very small doses and stretching out the time in between treatments.
At this point, I recommend moving slowly giving yourself 18 months of healing before considering a second procedure.
Patients who are prone to hypertrophic scar information should make sure that they do nothing to irritate the scar. This means absolutely under no circumstances. Should you scratch the scar if it itches. Avoid clothing that rubs against the scar and keep the scar covered with silicone sheeting.
Continue working with your plastic surgeon. Giving yourself plenty of time before any future treatment. Probably a good idea.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Steroid injection was given for tummy tuck revision. Now the area has atrophied. What can be done to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hypertrophic, scars, and steroid injections

Answer: Hypertrophic, scars, and steroid injections

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Steroid injection was given for tummy tuck revision. Now the area has atrophied. What can be done to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hypertrophic, scars, and steroid injections

Answer: Hypertrophic, scars, and steroid injections

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.